I recently took delivery of some auction winnings, including 3 different lots of Cote Rotie. I sampled one of each over a recent weekend and thought I’d share my impressions. All were definitely different but very enjoyable.
1999 Pierre Gaillard Côte-Rôtie Cuvée Unique Viallieres - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (11/14/2021)
Decanted for sediment. Fruit forward with lots of cherry which became more candied (not in a bad way) with time. Some menthol and tar, and a bit of oak, but not obtrusive. Quite enjoyable. (94 pts.)
2006 Jean-Michel Gerin Côte-Rôtie Champin le Seigneur - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (11/13/2021)
Decanted for sediment. Good, but a bit short and closed. Some black fruits, earth, and leather with firm tannins showing. Seemed to open a bit over the course of a couple of hours, but still not too expressive. (92 pts.)
2013 Marie et Pierre Bénetière Côte-Rôtie Cordeloux - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (11/12/2021)
Firmly tannic and chewy with a solid core of red fruits. A bit of a stemmy green streak, but not offputting, Tastes very old school, with no new oak showing, lots of underbrush, leather, and a bit of menthol and camphor. Should continue to develop very well. (93 pts.)
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